"I told Coach K one of the things you have in common, other than just wanting to win really badly, is your preparation," Boozer said. "Both of those guys prepare at the highest level on how to compete and win. Coach K had that same regimen where he would watch tape for hours on whoever we were about to play, and Thibs is the same way.

"Thibs' defensive schemes work in any league, anywhere in the world. So Coach K and I had some great conversations."

School spirit: The Champions Classic pitting Michigan State vs. Kentucky and Kansas vs. Duke at the United Center will place plenty of school pride on the line inside the Bulls' locker room. Several players are attending.

Marquis Teague and Nazr Mohammed will cheer on Kentucky, whose coach, John Calipari, had Derrick Rose at Memphis for his lone season. Kirk Hinrich played at Kansas. And Deng, Dunleavy and Boozer are Duke alumnus.

"I'm excited to see the new team play," Boozer said. "Obviously, Jabari (Parker) has a lot of notoriety, especially being from Chicago but also being a great player. Looking forward to watching him and (Kansas' Andrew) Wiggins get down. It will be fun."

Marquee matchup: Rose will face Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving for the first time after either one or both missed the previous seven meetings to injury or illness. Is Thibodeau intrigued?